The Data Center Walkthrough Checklist

Data centers never shut down, and the doors don’t ever really close. With 24/7 access for those with security clearance, plus round-the-clock monitoring by NOC staff and engineers, data centers don’t really need a walkthrough to close up shop, unlike many other businesses.

That doesn’t mean that a similar process isn’t followed at the end of every shift or periodically throughout the day, however.

At Green House Data, the Global Support Center staff members are charged with walkthroughs to ensure proper operation of the data center from entrance to loading dock. Use this as a template for your own facility — or read it as assurance that we’re doing all we can to guarantee 100% uptime and a great customer experience.

Telco Room

• What is the temperature?
• Any messy cabling or clutter?

Tape Library Room(s)

• What is the ambient temperature?
• Are there any alerts displayed on the I/O door?

Data Center Floor(s)

• Is the dust mat clean and functional?
• Are there any visible or audible alerts from company-owned or managed racks?
• If so, create a new ticket to troubleshoot.
• Are there any air conditioning unit (ACU) alerts?
• Are the ACUs blowing cold air?
• Are the ACUs locked?
• Are the hot aisle doors locked?
• What is the temperature of each hot aisle?
• What is the ambient temperature on the main floor?
• What are the humidity levels?
• Does the fire suppression system display any alerts?
• Is the fire suppression system tank full?
• Are the air filtration units functioning normally?
• Are the power distribution units (PDUs) displaying any alerts?
• Are the PDUs locked?
• Are there any uninterruptible power supply (UPS) alarms?
• Are all tools put in their proper place?
• Is the crash cart stored in the correct location?
• (Not applicable at Green House Data) Are the raised floor tiles in good shape and placed flush with the floor?
• Are the walls and ceilings intact with no cracks or holes?
• What is the ambient temperature?
• What are the temperatures of each battery array?
• Are there any UPS alerts?
• Are the UPSs locked?
• Are the generators showing normal function?
• Do the doors close properly with a tight seal?

LOADING DOCK

• What is the pressure gauge reading?
• Is the overhead door secure?
• Is the first aid kit present and stocked?
• Are the delivery cages locked?
• Are there any missing keys?
• Are blank sign out sheets available?
• Is the roof access locked?

Outside the Building

• Are there any audible or strange sounds from the generators?
• Are there any burning or odd smells coming from breaker boxes or the generators?
• Are the power units locked?
• Is the fence line intact with no signs of tampering?
• Is the fencing around generators and air handlers intact and locked?
• Make sure the air handler units (AHUs) have no blocked vents and appear functional with no leaks.
• Are the AHUs locked?
• Are all outside doors and gates locked and secure?

ENTRANCEWAY & OFFICES

• Is the main alarm turned off?
• Is the area clean and tidy?
• Remove any obstructions or garbage
• What is the ambient temperature?
• Are restrooms clean and presentable?
• Is plumbing in working order for all sinks and toilets?
• What is the room temperature in each office?

Whether you're evaluating a data center or running one, this list is a great place to start checking best practices. There are many more data center operations activities that go on daily, weekly, and monthly, including generator fuel burning and maintenance, cleaning of data center floors and office areas, UPS testing, and so forth. But proper operations start with regular walkthroughs and complete building and system monitoring.